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Why do I need to enter a Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer to sign up for ShipStation?

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ShipStation Content Team

Updated

To be compliant with current legislation, ShipStation needs to confirm we are working with registered businesses. A Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer is the method we use to determine the business status of a company. This is why we require a USt-IdNr when you sign up for ShipStation.

If you are looking for details on how to add your Tax Identifier Number to custom declarations, see our Tax Identifier Number Guide.

This Guide is Not Legal Advice

This article is only a guide and not a substitute for legal advice. Please consult a tax expert to discuss your specific business needs.

What is a USt-IdNr?

The Umsatzsteuer-Identifikationsnummer (USt-IdNr) is used to identify businesses as approved to charge VAT.

Will ShipStation charge VAT on subscription and label purchases?

ShipStation does not charge VAT for subscriptions or ShipStation Carrier label purchases. To be more accurate, it is a 0% rate for these services. If you purchase labels through your own carrier accounts, it is up to that carrier whether they charge VAT for their label purchases.

Is my information secure?

Yes. ShipStation is only using the VAT registration number to confirm we are selling our services to another business. See our Privacy Policy for more details on how we manage private information.